Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:58:05 -0800 (PST)
From: T H
Subject: SUMMER BASEBALL 3.3
SUMMER BASEBALL (TOURNEY 3, PART 3)
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TOM PREPARES FOR A NEW ROLE
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Bulldog and I did meet later that day. I left this meeting with Tournament
Central knowing I'd be in good hands. Pete's been in these capable hands
since Christ walked.
Lois, Pete's wife, called out of the blue. Bulldog gave her my number, the
old cow. Lois wanted to say hello, wanted to know who was going to help
her Pete.
I got home later that afternoon and called Mark and Joel. Like any umpire,
Joel works a lot of games through the summer. They were both home this
day. Mark answered.
"Mark, how's everything?"
"We're fine, Tom. And you?" Good I responded.
"Joel's...uummm...indisposed right now. Want him to call you back?"
"Yeah, please. Unless he becomes disposed before we say goodbye." We both
chuckle.
"Mark, I wanna ask you something. Would you like to help run the
tournament this weekend? You know Joel`s coming to work."
"Yep, and we're looking forward to it. What you have in mind for me, Tom?"
"Truth? Not sure. Maybe just run around, carry papers, look important..."
"Hey, Mark, I have another call coming in. You guys have speaker?"
"Yep."
"Please call me when Joel can talk. Bye."
***************
I sent emails to all the Blue's working this tournament just to confirm
their phone numbers and email addy's. I'm starting to get some
confirmations. Bulldog sent word to them already regarding Pete's health
and my humble efforts to fill his shoes. She had also enclosed every
Blue's game schedule.
Got separate emails from Angel and Rock. My boy is still throwing smoke
and brimstone to his lover, who of course catches everything.
Got an email from Bulldog. Committee meeting is for Wednesday night 7:30
SHARP at the usual hotel.
LOL, if she runs the meeting, it WILL start at 7:30:00 and NOT at 7:30:01.
I'm to discuss umpires. And everything else that Pete normally does, and
for which I have no idea. Relax, Tom, you'll be fine. Right, hon. I hope
the other committee members don't have the same eyebrow gesture you do...
She concluded by saying Pete is doing better. Somehow lima beans have
become a staple of his diet.
Back to Mark and Joel. What a handsome pair and dynamic team. Haven't
been together all that long. But I'm recognizing they communicate as much
by telepathy as by mouth. They both have very nice mouths.
The phone rings. "Wassup, Tom? Joel's here and we're on speaker."
"Hey guys. Joel, did you get the email from Margie about Pete?"
"Yep. Everyone is shocked by the news. How's he doing?"
"Stable. Joel, I want you leading off for the Blue team. Set the tone for
the weekend. Set the table."
"I also bounced Mark about helping me. Did you guys talk about it?"
"Yep. I said he should. Otherwise sitting through all those games might
make him fat." Punch. Ouch. "He wants to help, Tom. I'm happy you
asked."
Mark then says, "I do want to help. Whatever you need."
"Thanks guys. Here's the deal as of now. You both have a room on our tab
through the weekend. Mark will be able to watch some of your games, Joel,
but not all. I'll make sure you guys have time for you."
"More details later, guys. Talk soon."
****************
Check my emails. Steven confirmed his info just as the other Blues have
been doing. He wants to work bad this weekend. I want him to as well.
Pete's been a little vague about Steven's home environment. A youth league
colleague of Pete's recommended him. Said he's umpired for 3 years now,
and at the time, was already working games being played by kids his own
age. And he still plays for his high school team in the spring.
Boss loves to get scouting reports on umpires. Many Blues that have worked
for him over the years came to him this way. Joel did.
But the old goat didn't hire first without seeing the goods. Both Joel and
Steven are indeed good hires.
****************
Next day, Joel called on behalf of Mark. Mark has a younger brother, age
14. Name's Andrew. Mark wanted to know if Andy could come with them and
watch the games.
"Sure, Joel. That OK with the `rents?"
"Yeah. In fact they're kind of happy..."
"Say no more. He staying with you guys?"
"That's the plan. I assume getting a cot in our room won't cost anything?"
"It shouldn't. Joel...does Andy know you guys are gay?"
"Yeah. He's been to games with us and has even stayed overnight in our
apartment."
"One last thought. I don't think he should be left alone at the hotel with
you guys away."
"Mark says, work his ass off, LOL. Mark says Andy could hang with him or
watch me do my games. Or feed him to Bulldog. He's a pretty good kid,
Tom. He won't be a problem."
"OK, Joel. I trust you. I better bounce it off the committee though."
"And Joel, Mark could have made this call. You know I respect him and I'm
counting on his help..."
"I know, Tom. He's just a bit in awe. He says he just doesn't have
Blue-size balls." Pause. "And, Tom? Andy thinks he's gay."
****************
Mental note for Tom...call Bulldog re Andy.
Mental note for hospital...Pete's diet should also include beets. He
absolutely despises them.